Daily Current Affairs : 29-August-2023
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently announced its upcoming Aditya-L1 mission, which marks a significant step in space exploration. This mission is set to be India’s first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. Let’s delve deeper into the Aditya-L1 mission and its importance.
Aditya-L1 Mission Overview
The Aditya-L1 mission will utilize the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to transport a 1,475-kilogram spacecraft into an elliptical orbit around the Earth. Notably, this spacecraft is more than two times lighter than the Chandrayaan-3 mission, demonstrating advancements in space technology.
Similar to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, the spacecraft’s orbit and velocity will be gradually increased until it is propelled towards the Sun. This journey to the L1 point will take approximately four months, after which the spacecraft will be inserted into a halo orbit around the L1 point, marking its final destination. The Aditya-L1 mission aims to collect crucial solar data over a period of five years.
Understanding the L1 Point
The L1 point, one of the five Lagrange points in space, plays a vital role in this mission. Lagrange points are unique positions in space where the gravitational forces between celestial objects precisely balance the centripetal force required to keep a satellite in orbit. This equilibrium means that satellites placed at Lagrange points consume minimal fuel to maintain their position.
In the case of Aditya-L1, the spacecraft will reach the L1 point, situated beyond the Moon but between the Earth and the Sun. This strategic location provides an unobstructed view of the Sun, even during phenomena such as solar eclipses. This proximity to the Sun enables the spacecraft’s payloads to directly observe and analyze the star. Consequently, the L1 point significantly enhances the mission’s fuel efficiency.
Objectives of Aditya-L1 Mission
The primary objective of the Aditya-L1 mission is to gain deeper insights into our closest star, the Sun, and its impact on our solar system. The mission’s scientific payloads will focus on studying the Sun’s upper atmospheric layers, including the chromosphere and corona. Specific areas of interest include the study of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), magnetic fields in the corona, and the mysteries behind the Sun’s extremely high corona temperature compared to its surface.
Additionally, the mission aims to shed light on the acceleration of particles on the Sun, which leads to the formation of solar winds. Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending space weather and its impact on Earth and other celestial bodies.
Significance of Sun Study
Studying the Sun holds immense significance as it directly influences the entire solar system. Solar weather and environmental changes can affect satellite orbits, disrupt electronic systems, and even cause power blackouts on Earth. Continuous solar observations are essential for predicting and mitigating these impacts, and Aditya-L1’s position at L1 plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.
Payloads of Aditya-L1 Mission
The Aditya-L1 mission features an array of scientific payloads designed to explore the Sun comprehensively. These payloads can be categorized into two groups:
Remote Sensing Payloads:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) for corona imaging and spectroscopy.
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) for photosphere and chromosphere imaging.
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) for soft X-ray observations.
- High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) for hard X-ray observations.
In Situ Payloads (Studying L1 at its Position):
- Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) for analyzing solar wind particles.
- Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) for studying electrons and heavier ions in the solar wind.
- Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers for in situ magnetic field analysis.
Important Points:
Aditya-L1 Mission Overview:
- ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun.
- It will use the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to carry a 1,475-kg spacecraft into an elliptical orbit around Earth.
- The spacecraft will gradually increase its orbit and velocity until it slingshots toward the Sun, taking about four months to reach the L1 point.
- The mission aims to collect solar data for five years.
The L1 Point:
- L1 is one of the five Lagrange points in space, offering a stable position where gravitational forces balance with centripetal force, reducing the need for fuel.
- Aditya-L1 will be stationed at L1, beyond the Moon but between Earth and the Sun, providing an unobstructed view of the Sun.
- This location enhances the mission’s fuel efficiency.
Objectives of Aditya-L1 Mission:
- The primary goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the Sun, including its radiation, heat, particle flow, and magnetic fields.
- Scientific payloads will study the Sun’s upper atmospheric layers, such as the chromosphere and corona.
- The mission will investigate phenomena like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the mystery of the Sun’s extremely hot corona.
- It will help scientists understand the acceleration of particles on the Sun, which leads to solar winds.
Significance of Studying the Sun:
- The Sun’s behavior affects the entire solar system, including Earth and other celestial bodies.
- Solar variations can impact satellite orbits, disrupt electronics, and cause power blackouts on Earth.
- Continuous solar observations are crucial for predicting and mitigating these impacts.
Payloads of Aditya-L1 Mission:
Remote Sensing Payloads:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) for corona imaging and spectroscopy.
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) for photosphere and chromosphere imaging.
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) for soft X-ray observations.
- High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) for hard X-ray observations.
In Situ Payloads (Studying L1 at its Position):
- Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) for analyzing solar wind particles.
- Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) for studying electrons and heavier ions in the solar wind.
- Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers for in situ magnetic field analysis.
Why In News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the Aditya-L1 mission, the first space-based Indian observatory dedicated to studying the Sun, will be launched soon. This groundbreaking mission aims to provide valuable insights into the Sun’s behavior and its impact on our solar system. With its advanced instruments and cutting-edge technology, Aditya-L1 is set to revolutionize our understanding of solar phenomena and contribute to space science on a global scale.
MCQs about Aditya-L1
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Why is the L1 point chosen as the destination for the Aditya-L1 spacecraft?
A. It provides a convenient parking spot for spacecraft.
B. It is an ideal place to study the Moon.
C. It offers an unobstructed view of the Sun and is fuel-efficient.
D. It allows for easy communication with Earth.
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What do the Lagrange points represent in space?
A. Locations for asteroid mining.
B. Stable positions where gravitational forces balance with centripetal force.
C. Points where spacecraft dock with the International Space Station.
D. Points for interstellar travel.
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Which of the following payloads on the Aditya-L1 mission is designed to study the Sun’s magnetic fields in the corona?
A. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC).
B. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT).
C. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS).
D. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS).
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What is the main objective of the Aditya-L1 mission?
A. To search for extraterrestrial life on Mars.
B. To explore the outer planets of the solar system.
C. To gain a deeper understanding of the Sun and its impact on the solar system.
D. To study the Moon’s surface.
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